lightning damage august 2020
Burnt out Phone Lines
The phone lines to the call box took major damage and apparently damaged the gate motors.
Wall Damage
Apparently the lightning hit the palm tree, jumped to the wall and blew out sections, then jumped to the phone lines that control the gates.
Other Damage
In addition to the walls and the gates it has been determined that the front sign lighting and irrigation system were also destroyed.
Please note: As of 9/18/2020 the irrigation system has been fixed. We are waiting on our vendors to repair the other issues.
Three of our palm trees were killed due to the lightning. Please stay away from them. They will be removed soon.
recent community improvements
Dog Clean Up Station
Dog Clean Up Station
Dog Clean Up Station
To encourage dog owner responsibility we have added a dog 'poop' station midway on Bellezza Drive. We are looking for additional volunteers to periodically empty the receptacle.
Great Job!
Dog Clean Up Station
Dog Clean Up Station
Thank you Mike Crary and Brian Straub!
Gazebo Repaired
Dog Clean Up Station
Gazebo Repaired
Rotting and damaged areas of the gazebo have been repaired and painted to make it good as news.
The Outflow Control
Repairs to the skimmer or out flow system were required. Here are some photos. An opening for water to surround it and a new bank built with retention material to hold it in place was laid. Then sod put on top of it. This has been completed.
In the beginning...
The Outflow grate was almost totally covered with debris.
'De-mucking'
Or possibly 'de-yucking'. Robbie Hollister really cleaned it up as a short term fix just in case a hurricane hit.
Clean but only semi-functional
The control box is only partially in the water. The bank has collapsed behind it and filled with soil.
The work begins
Soil is removed from around the control unit and a retentive blanket has been placed over the bank to keep it in place.
New sod it laid
Oncew the bank was stabilized new sod was place over the stabilizing blanket.
... the completed job
The way it always should have been.
The Pumps
The HOA well is currently used to irrigate the common areas such as the park, front sign area and front gardens. The well and disconnected pump need to work together as an overflow system so that if and when the ponds overfill well water will not be used for irrigation. The pump would turn on irrigating from the pond and the well would turn off. This is near completion.
The Well
The well is being upgraded handle the irrigation system appropriately and work in conjunction with the pump.
The Well again
Top view showing the new tank and connections.
The Big Pump
The large pump will soon be running as intended to use the excess water from the pond during the rainy season.
Bank Repairs
The largest area of the pond with bank erosion had repairs completed. See photos. Dredging was done and retention banks were rebuilt using the dredged material. Then sod was applied. We should all thank the owners who are helping to water the sod and use their wells in the process (the Smallwood Family, John Vecchitto and Don & Molly Delbalzo.
The Dredge Boat
The boat dredged out the silt that had filled the shallow part of the pond from erosion of the banks.
Filling the Sock
The silt is then pumped into the 'sock' which is a strong, but porous, material that allows all the water to drain out of the sock and into the pond.
The new Bank
When the sock is full and all the water drained out it becomes hard like concrete. The bank is now stabilized and resistant to erosion.
Finished Product
Sod is then placed over the sock. Because of the porous nature of the sock the grass roots will grow through the sock material
Plantings
Thousands of plants have been planted in the littoral zone (buffer zone) of the ponds. These are Pickerelweed (will produce purple flowers) and Duck Potato (white flowers) that will grow and bloom in the coming months. Not only will they spread but they will assist in erosion control, control insects, enhance water filtration, filter nutrients, increase fish and wildlife habitat, trap sediments and stabilize shoreline and create an aesthetically pleasing shoreline.
Native Plants in place
Native aquatic plants were placed all around the shoreline. These plants break up the wind blown waves that erode the banks.
Pickerelweed
Will produce a purple flower.
Duck Potato
Is another native plant that produces a white flower. Native plants do not take over the pond and are well suited for our climet.
Five Months Later...
... A beautiful barrier against erosion which will propagate itself, allow fish to spawn and help filter the water.
An interesting fact is that South Florida laws requires builders to put in these plants as part of the permit process. Now we know why.
Bike rack installed
Digging the holes
Digging the holes
Digging the holes
Dan Wapp and John Vecchitto dug the holes and poured 400 pounds of cement in. Dan did the heavy lifting and is shown here watching John make believe he working.
Looking Good! ...
Digging the holes
Digging the holes
... The bike rack that is.
Sheriff Sarah Jackman presented Neighborhood Watch sign to Dr. Telka diFate, HOA President , George Kriss, Treasurer and Committee member Brian Straub.
Our News in Pictures
Christmas Sing-Along
Both adults and children had a wondrous time for the sing-along at the gazebo. The kids did great and were really in the holiday spirit. Hot cocoa and treats were served. Thanks to all that participated and helped clean up.
Fence Repair
Repairs are underway to the fencing around property. Also many thanks to John Vecchitto, George Kriss, Joe R and Telka for volunteering in the community.
Chainlink Fence Reinforced
The chainlink fence that closes off the small strip of land on the east side of the community was broken through to allow an open path between Lake Pickett and Bithlo. This is not only an open invitation for access to our property but has also been used for dirt bikes to rush past owners backyards. No Trespassing signs will also be installed to discourage further vandalism.
Stencil
The stenciling took about 4 hours but came out nicely. This was required by SJRWMD and we hope will provide a freindly reminder to keep our waterways clean. Special thanks to John & Telka.
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Drive
